The National Army Museum – Waterloo Lives

The National Army Museum is commemorating the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo with a nationwide programme of events, activities and displays. Waterloo Lives will provide opportunities for all the family to learn more about this iconic battle and those whose lives were affected by it.

Exhibitions

While the National Army Museum’s main site at Chelsea is closed for refurbishment, objects from its Collection are making guest appearances in family-friendly exhibitions which look at how the Battle of Waterloo was fought and won.

Events

Learn about the history of the Battle through entertaining and informative events, film screenings, a nationwide quiz and even a travelling pub.

Pop Up Pub

A Soldier Relating His Exploits in a Tavern, John Cawse. Copyright National Army Museum.

Did you know that pubs in the UK are named after the Duke of Wellington and the Battle of Waterloo because many returning veterans became publicans? In honour of this tradition the Museum has created its own family-friendly pop-up pub to tour the country, delivering pints of knowledge about the Battle along its way. You can play the Battle of Waterloo game and win a free family trip to Belgium. Locations are:

Pop Up Poses: The Returning Soldier

Shoreditch, London16 – 30 May 2015

The Returning Soldier, part of the National Army Museum’s Waterloo Lives. Copyright National Army Museum.

A 20 metre long piece of graffiti-style street art, installed in Shoreditch, The Returning Soldier is inspired by the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo. It explores how soldiers were treated by British society 200 years ago, and how we think of soldiers today.

Learn more about The Returning Soldier, and see a video of its installation, here.

Pop Up People

The NAM will be presenting a series of talks and discussions at several locations. Featuring popular names such as Dan and Peter Snow, the talks will offer listeners a fresh perspective on the Battle.

Do you know why Wellington’s boots were so unusually short or what was the actual height of the French Emperor? Test your Battle knowledge with our free quiz. Play with your friends or stage your own pub quiz in the local boozer.

Battle of Waterloo Game

The National Army Museum has commissioned a special Battle of Waterloo game, giving you the chance to experience 18 June 1815. Lead a cavalry charge, hunt for wounded soldiers, or beat a military drum.

Waterloo Conference

Organised by the National Army Museum in partnership with the University of York, this conference is aimed at academics, historians and students. It will explore how the legend of the battle was captured in the cultural mementos and media of the era and will look at the diverse ways in which the Battle has been commemorated.

Waterloo Book

This major new book produced in association with the National Army Museum, is a compelling treatment of the Hundred Days campaign. Written by renowned broadcaster Peter Snow and historian Dan Snow, the book is beautifully illustrated and includes reproductions of letters and documents from the Museum’s Collection that graphically portray the background to Napoleon’s final defeat. Purchase online.